The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) President’s Council has made it official, approving Simon Fraser University as the organization’s first international member.

This final step means SFU varsity teams will be eligible to compete for NCAA championships beginning Sept. 1. It also means SFU receives voting privileges at future NCAA conventions.

The approval comes after the NCAA passed a recommendation to amend the rules around its Canadian pilot program. The new regulations allow Canadian schools to be accepted as full members if they have been accepted as a candidate by a U.S. accrediting agency.

SFU has been accepted as a candidate by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and must continue through the process to remain a member.

Within the week, all SFU fall sports will be in the midst of training camps in preparation for their 2012 seasons.

this a chance to Canada to prove that they can also play. also the students don't have to go out of Canada to play in the NCAA. this also gives a chance to the student/player to achieve their goals to be successful. this is just amazing